NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
When you conclude an 11-game winning streak while leading your team to a significant victory.
Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and the Rockets defended their home court, securing a crucial win in the matchup of the top two teams in the West.
Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images
5 ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE 🏀 April 5, 2025
Challenging Times in the West: The Rockets end the Thunder’s winning streak while the Lakers improve their playoff positioning.
In the Mix: The Pistons secure their first playoff spot since the 2018-19 season, while the Pacers maintain their position as the fourth seed in the East.
Competing for Position: The Clippers and Kings create separation in the congested Play-In race in the West.
On the Brink of History: The Cavaliers achieved their 62nd victory, and the Bulls continue to thrive, winning 11 of 15 recent games.
League Pass: The playoff-bound Pistons are set to face the Grizzlies in a five-game lineup.
BUT FIRST … ⏰ Recap of last night’s games & what’s on the docket today…
5-Game Saturday: A jam-packed day of basketball with implications for the postseason race. Don’t miss the Pistons taking on the Grizzlies on NBA TV at 7 PM ET, and check out other matchups on League Pass: Knicks vs. Hawks at 3 PM ET, Wolves vs. 76ers at 7 PM ET, Bucks vs. Heat at 8 PM ET, and Mavs vs. Clippers at 10:30 PM ET.
Playoff Countdown: Just 10 days remain until the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament starts. Review all the critical dates as the playoffs approach.
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) kicks off its fifth season today at noon with a clash between Rivers Hoopers from Nigeria and Stade Malien from Mali in Rabat, Morocco. Explore the key players and narratives to follow ahead of the Kalahari Conference opener.
1. ROCKETS MAKE A STATEMENT, LAKERS ASCEND, WARRIORS STAY IN CONTENTION
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The Rockets have been on a roll lately, and with the league’s hottest team visiting, they faced a tough challenge.
Houston responded fiercely, claiming their 14th win in 16 games and disrupting the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 11-game winning streak.
Rockets 125, Thunder 111: Though Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 points, it was insufficient to secure a 12th consecutive victory for the Thunder, as the Rockets triumphed. Jalen Green (34 pts) and Alperen Sengun (31 pts) spearheaded Houston’s emphatic victory over the best team in the West. | Recap
Warriors 118, Nuggets 104: The Warriors shone with Jimmy Butler III in the lineup, defeating the Denver Nuggets. Steph Curry’s 36 points and 7 three-pointers helped outpace the reigning KIA MVP Nikola Jokić (33 pts, 12 reb, 9 ast). | Recap
Lakers 124, Pelicans 108: The Lakers’ trio of LeBron James (27 pts), Luka Dončić (35 pts), and Austin Reaves (30 pts) fueled the offensive charge, leading the Lakers past the Pelicans and lifting them in the Western standings. | Recap
2. PISTONS SECURE PLAYOFF BERTH
The Pistons’ remarkable season reached new heights as they secured a playoff berth, while the Pacers continued their hot streak in the East.
Pistons 117, Raptors 105: After ending the previous season with the worst record in the league, Detroit achieved another milestone in their remarkable 2024-25 campaign by clinching a spot in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Jalen Duren had an outstanding performance, with 21 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocks during the win. | Recap
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Pacers 140, Jazz 112: The Pacers secured their third consecutive win, fueled by another stellar performance from Tyrese Haliburton (17 pts, 11 ast, 0 turnovers) as they triumphed over the Utah Jazz. | Recap
3. WESTERN PLAYOFF RACE HEATS UP
Clippers 114, Mavericks 91: The Clippers achieved their third straight victory with a well-rounded offensive effort featuring six players scoring in double figures. Ivica Zubac secured his 10th consecutive double-double (14 pts, 13 reb) to fend off Naji Marshall (22 pts) and the Mavericks. | Recap
Kings 125, Hornets 102: A 19-point halftime advantage allowed the Kings to fend off the Hornets, with Zach LaVine (25 pts, 10 reb) and Domantas Sabonis (24 pts, 11 reb, 7 ast) leading the Kings in their bid for a Play-In spot. | Recap
Celtics 123, Suns 103: Jaylen Brown excelled for the Celtics during a historic evening for Boston, scoring 31 points to help the East’s No. 2 team edge past Devin Booker (37 pts) and the Phoenix Suns. | Recap
4. SUMMARY: CAVS ACHIEVE 62ND WIN, BULLS CONTINUE TO SHINE
The Cavaliers keep pushing forward, while the Bulls maintain their impressive run over the last month.
Cavaliers 114, Spurs 113: The Spurs fought hard but ultimately fell short against the Cavaliers. Evan Mobley’s contribution of 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists was key in securing the Cavs’ 62nd win of the season. | Recap
Bulls 118, Trail Blazers 113: The Bulls extended their winning streak, capturing their 11th victory in the last 15 games against the Blazers. Coby White and Nikola Vučević combined for 31 points each, which was crucial in holding off Deni Avdija (37 pts) and Portland. | Recap
5. PLAYOFF-BOUND PISTONS HOST GRIZZLIES IN A BUSY SATURDAY
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Last night, the Detroit Pistons clinched their spot in the NBA Playoffs for the first time in six years.
This achievement signifies the culmination of one of the most impressive turnarounds from season to season in NBA history.
What enabled this success? The ascent of Cade Cunningham from an emerging talent to a certified star, a successful mix of youthful energy and seasoned veterans brought in during the off-season, along with a new head coach who has infused the team with grit and a focus on defense, reminiscent of the storied Detroit basketball tradition.
The Pistons enter tonight in 5th place in the East and will go up against the Grizzlies, currently ranked 8th in the West, who are fresh off a thrilling victory on Thursday, thanks to a game-winning shot from Ja Morant.
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A four-game schedule on League Pass will complete Saturday’s basketball action.
